Skip to Main Content

New Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Program Available for Some Church Staff

Posted: September 26 2023 at 03:00 PM
Author: Victoria Rebeck


Churches and their staff may be interested to learn more about a new Illinois retirement savings program.

Piggy Bankcr

The Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program Act is a state-facilitated, mandated retirement savings program for employers that have five or more employees who are issued a W-2 and that do not already offer an employer-sponsored retirement plan. This mandate serves as a payroll function in which a local church deducts an employee’s elected contributions from their paycheck to contribute to a state-facilitated Roth IRA retirement savings program. Local churches that have fewer than five employees who receive a W-2 are exempt from participating in Illinois Secure Choice, as are local churches that sponsor a retirement plan for their employees.

Employees should visit the Illinois Secure Choice website for more information regarding making contribution elections or speak with their personal financial advisor. 

The Northern Illinois Conference provides these FAQs about the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program, as prepared by the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.

News & Announcements

Flowers Sympathy625x400 2a417 Copy

In Sympathy: James Wilson

Rev. James M. Wilson, a member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Flowers Sympathy625x400 2a417 Copy Copy

In Sympathy: Fernando Siaba

Rev. Fernando Siaba, a member of the Northern Illinois Conference, died on October 6, 2025.

Emergency Solidarity Fund Logo With Space

From the Bishop: Pay Attention to Your Neighbor

With the presence of aggressive federal agents, many immigrants are afraid to go to work, visit food pantries, or take their kids to school. Missing work means losing pay. Help b…

Fearfulchild

From Bishop Schwerin: Children Under Threat

Beginning Oct. 3, Immigration and Customs Enforcement launched an operation, reportedly named “Freaky Friday,” targeting unaccompanied children aged 14 and older of all nationalities…

Print